Busy off-season for the Blackhawk Brigade

PASSION FOR THE SPORT
Senior Kaiti embraces Farva (Ethan) before state finals on November 1, 2008.

.::Media Links::.

Busy off-season for the Blackhawk Brigade

By: Jermaine Williams
info@blackhawkbrigade.com
SV Brigade Media Relations

FRENCH LICK, Ind. – The Blackhawk Brigade may be in the off season, but that does not mean things are moving at a slower pace. This week alone the band will be performing at three basketball games and at the second annual Orleans Pep Band Invitational.

The Springs Valley Winter Guard has also begun practicing for their winter circuit and will begin competition in March. To add to the commotion, in the spring, the band will embark on an overnight trip to Gatlinburg, Tenn. to participate in the 26th Smoky Mountain Music Festival. First on task for the band is the Pep Band contest.

The Orleans Band Department started the Pep Band Contest last year in an effort to build camaraderie between local bands and to acknowledge and support the often-overlooked local pep bands. The contest will begin at 10:00 a.m. and bands will perform their school song and selections from their pep band music. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 17 at the Orleans Jr./.Sr. High School.

As mentioned, the band is completing their final preparations for their spring trip to Tennessee. In Gatlinburg, the band will complete in a concert band festival and a winter guard competition. The group will be staying two nights and three days and the trip will feature visits to Ripley’s Aquarium, The Dixie Stampede, and a tour of the Smoky Mountains.

Currently, the band is raising money to help students afford the trip. The band has two sizes of trash bags for sale for $12. In addition, the band is looking for sponsors that would be willing to help pay for students that cannot afford the expenses of the trip. All proceeds directly help Springs Valley students. If you are interested in purchasing trash bags or sponsoring a student, please contact Director of Bands, Luke Aylsworth at 936-9984 ext. 230 or email at aylsworth@blackhawkbrigade.com. More information regarding the trip and other band related events will be provided at the January Band Booster Meeting. The meeting will be held on Monday January 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Springs Valley High School band room.

NOTE: Article published in the Springs Valley Herald, Bedford Times-Mail, and Jasper Herald.

Contest Results can be found at:
Indiana Marching.com and/or
Simply Instrumental.com